If the WHL playoffs were to begin today, all five teams in the U.S. Division would qualify, with fourth-place Spokane and fifth-place Tri-City grabbing the Western Conference's two wild-card spots. Unlike any other division in the league, the U.S. Division is currently in the midst of a tight race that could see the standings change significantly before the regular season concludes in March. Eighteen points separate first-place Everett from fifth-place Tri-City, with Portland, Seattle, and Spokane falling second, third, and fourth in the division.

The Thunderbirds season took another strange turn, 18-year-old backup goaltender Danny Mumaugh electing to end his hockey career this weekend. Seattle has recalled 17-year-old Logan Flodell to replace him.